On Aug. 19, the Pagosa Springs Town Council approved two ordinances related to fire restrictions within town limits.
The first ordinance the council approved would make the declaration of fire restrictions an administrative task, rather than an action of the town council.
If passed, it would authorize the town manager, currently David Harris, to declare and rescind various levels of fire restrictions within town limits.
An agenda document on the matter states that “this action will be done in consultation with the [Archuleta County] Sheriff’s Office, Fire District Chief, and Police Chief.”
This change would be consistent with the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC), which has assigned this authority to the sheriff’s office.
“The goal is to send a consistent message from the County and Town when it comes to the various stages of fire restrictions,” the document states.
The first reading of the ordinance was approved unanimously by the council.
For the item to take effect, a second reading of the ordinance, which is anticipated for Sept. 2, would need to be approved by the council.
The next fire restriction ordinance approved by the council was to continue an emergency order made by the mayor and town manager on Aug. 11 implementing Stage 1 fire restrictions within town limits.
An agenda document on the matter states, “At present, the Town Charter allows for the Mayor and Manager to issue an emergency order, which must be considered by the Town Council for continuance, modification, or may be rescinded.”
At the meeting, Harris said that staff was “recommending a continuance of this order until the mayor and town manager choose to amend or modify the order.”
If the council approves the second reading of the ordinance to make fire restrictions an administrative action at the Sept. 2 meeting, then the town manager can take action without having to wait for the council’s decision, Harris explained.
In the meantime, continuing or rescinding fire restrictions remains a decision of the council, Harris explained.
The council unanimously voted to continue the Stage 1 fire restrictions within town limits that were originally implemented as an emergency order.
The Aug. 11 emergency order followed “the onset of the Oak Fire in Archuleta County, which has already burned 75 acres and prompted heightened wildfire risk across the region,” states the town’s website.
“Given the extreme fire danger we are facing, these restrictions are a necessary step to protect lives, property and our natural resources,” said Mayor Shari Pierce. “We urge all residents and visitors to comply fully so that we can minimize further fire threats to our community.”
Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit “open fires and open burning, including campfires,” as well as “the sale or use of fireworks for personal use,” according to the website.
Permitted activities under Stage 1 restrictions include: commercial and community fireworks displays that are properly permitted, fires contained within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, indoor fireplaces or woodstoves, and outdoor charcoal grills, provided they are at private residences and in an area cleared of all flammable materials, including dry vegetation.
“These restrictions are effective immediately and will remain in place until lifted by the Mayor, Town Manager, or Pagosa Springs Town Council. Violations may result in fines or legal action,” the emergency order states.
derek@pagosasun.com
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